Think of this Italian Style Sloppy Joe recipe as spaghetti, without the noodles and garlic bread on the side. We pondered on how was best to eat this, and we decided that a fork and knife was the easiest way. I will definitely make this meal, again– and the garlic bread was super easy and delicious to make.
Course main
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Sloppy Joes
Prep Time 30 minutesminutes
Cook Time 45 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour15 minutesminutes
Author Debby - www.AFeastfortheEyes.net
Ingredients
MEAT FILLING:
2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
2 1/2poundslean ground beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1red bell pepperdiced
1medium oniondiced
5clovesgarlicminced
1(6-ounccan tomato paste
1(28-ounccan crushed or diced tomatoes
1tablespoonsugar
1teaspoondried oregano
1teaspoondried basil
1/4cupgrated Parmesan cheeseplus extra for garnish
1splash white or regular balsamic vinegaroptional, my variation
2tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh parsleyplus extra for garnish
GARLIC TOAST
8slicesFrench bread
8tablespoonsbutter1 stick, softened
1/4cupParmesan cheesegrated
1tablespoonextra-virgin olive oil
1tablespoonfresh parsleyfinely chopped
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
1/4teaspoonpaprika
1/4teaspoondried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and the beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is well browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the beef and drain off the fat.
To the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the peppers and onions until soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute or two.
Add the tomatoes, sugar, oregano and basil and bring to a simmer.
Return the beef to the pan and simmer until the mixture is nice and thick, about 10 minutes. If it gets too thick, thin it with a little water. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan and parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Optional: I added a splash of white balsamic vinegar, and that gave a little extra acidity to the sauce.
Garlic Toast:
Preheat the oven to 400°Place the bread slices on a baking sheet.
In a bowl, mix together the butter, Parmesan, oil, parsley, garlic powder, paprika and oregano until it forms a paste. Season with salt and pepper, then spread the mixture on the bread.
Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
To serve: Spoon a nice portion of sauce over each of 4 slices of the Garlic Toast. Let the sauce cascade over the sides, then prop a second piece of Garlic Toast over to the side of each. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.